Mary Baskin-Waters establishes bequest
for social work and women's studies
Source: Carolina's Future, Fall 2001
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As chair and former director of the South Carolina Governor's Commission on Women. Mary Baskin-Waters understands the educational and societal barriers that confront many people. That's why she takes immense satisfaction in providing additional and permanent support for two scholarships she established, one in women's studies and another in social work.
"Social workers are vital to many of South Carolina's populations," Waters observes. "They provide counseling, independence training, transportation, and other services for the elderly. They help children with physical or learning disabilities or emotional problems. They also work with children who face abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or poverty."
Waters is an articulate spokeswoman for both the College of Social Work and the Women's Studies Program as a member of Social Works' National Advisory Council and as chair of the Women's Studies Partnership Council.
Waters has championed the causes of others for much of her career, especially those affecting women in society. "This state has a population of talented and bright women. I hope that we will continue to provide the necessary opportunities for them to build economic foundations for themselves and their families, "she said.
Women need to take more responsibility for their own finances and financial planning, Waters says, "They need sound financial planning, so they will have the opportunity to accumulate wealth and plan for its ordered disposition."
Her husband, Samuel C. Waters, USC Law '74, joined in establishing the scholarship in social work. Waters' bequest will provide lasting support for the scholarships in both social work and women's studies.
"We are committed to the importance of education in the future of South Carolina. Together, our family holds six degrees from the University of South Carolina. We believe in the accomplishments of the University and its importance to the community and the state.
"We want to give back to the community and to the state and leave a contribution that will live beyond our lives through scholarships that will provide opportunities for future students, " Waters says.